Here is our quick guide to the different types of fire extinguishers available and the categories of fire they can be used on. If you are still unsure please feel free to contact us and we can advise the correct extinguisher to cover your risk.
WATER
Water fire extinguishers are only suitable for use on Class A fires. A Class A fire involves substances that will burn to a carbonaceous ash e.g wood, paper and textiles. It is extremely important to have extinguishers that cover Class A fire as waste paper, doors and carpet all fall into this category
Water fire extinguishers are only suitable for use on Class A fires. A Class A fire involves substances that will burn to a carbonaceous ash e.g wood, paper and textiles. It is extremely important to have extinguishers that cover Class A fire as waste paper, doors and carpet all fall into this category
Co2
Carbon Dioxide or Co2 fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class B fires. A Class B fire involves flammable liquids. However the most common use of Co2 extinguishers is to cover electrical risks, whether it be office equipment or mains intake. There is no Class E for eletrical fires but wherever there is a risk of electrical fire there should be a Co2 extinguisher.
Carbon Dioxide or Co2 fire extinguishers are suitable for use on Class B fires. A Class B fire involves flammable liquids. However the most common use of Co2 extinguishers is to cover electrical risks, whether it be office equipment or mains intake. There is no Class E for eletrical fires but wherever there is a risk of electrical fire there should be a Co2 extinguisher.
FOAM
Foam fire extinguisher can be used on Class A fire and Class B fire. They are increasingly being used in offices as a 6ltr foam extinguisher has the same fire fighting capabilities as a 9ltr water but weighs significantly less. Most foam extinguisher have passed a dielectric test and are safe if used inadvertently of electrical equipment but must not be situated or used purposely to extinguish electrical fires. Specialist foam may be required for alcohols.
Foam fire extinguisher can be used on Class A fire and Class B fire. They are increasingly being used in offices as a 6ltr foam extinguisher has the same fire fighting capabilities as a 9ltr water but weighs significantly less. Most foam extinguisher have passed a dielectric test and are safe if used inadvertently of electrical equipment but must not be situated or used purposely to extinguish electrical fires. Specialist foam may be required for alcohols.
DRY POWDER
The most common dry powder extinguishers are ABC powders and are suitable for Class A, Class B and Class C fires. Class C fires are fires caused by leaking gas. These should only be extinguished by trained people as this could lead to an explosion risk. Although they are versatile they're not suitable for certain areas as they reduce visibility and cause great mess when discharged. Class D dry powder extinguisher are available for metal fires
The most common dry powder extinguishers are ABC powders and are suitable for Class A, Class B and Class C fires. Class C fires are fires caused by leaking gas. These should only be extinguished by trained people as this could lead to an explosion risk. Although they are versatile they're not suitable for certain areas as they reduce visibility and cause great mess when discharged. Class D dry powder extinguisher are available for metal fires
WET CHEMICAL
Wet Chemical or wet chem fire extinguishers are specifically design for use on Class F fires. A Class F fire is one that involves deep fat fryers. To cover the risk of deep fat frying wherever there is one or more fryers there needs to be at least one wet chem extinguisher.
Wet Chemical or wet chem fire extinguishers are specifically design for use on Class F fires. A Class F fire is one that involves deep fat fryers. To cover the risk of deep fat frying wherever there is one or more fryers there needs to be at least one wet chem extinguisher.